Stolen Works of Arts 1st meeting of the Interpol Tracking Task Force to fight illicit trafficking in cultural property stolen in Iraq Lyon, 12 and 13 November 2003 Recommendations  Printable version

The participants at the first meeting of the Interpol Tracking Task Force to Fight Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property Stolen in Iraq (ITTF) held in Lyon, France, on 12 and 13 November 2003,

Recognizing the importance of the loss of Iraqi cultural property,

Noting the lack of effective dissemination among the international community of information concerning Iraqi cultural property seized or individuals involved in their theft and trafficking,

Acknowledging the need for centralization of information concerning the theft and recovery of Iraqi cultural property,

Understanding the need to identify existing criminal networks active in the illicit trafficking of Iraqi cultural property,

Emphasizing the necessity of genuine and effective co-ordination and co-operation among law enforcement agencies,

Recommend consideration of the following actions:

1. That the General Secretariat of Interpol assigns a single point of contact with the responsibility for:
   
   
   1. the creation of a standardized form tracking individual seizures and investigations to ensure consistency in reporting from NCBs to the assigned single point of contact;
      
      
   2. the collation, maintenance and dissemination of information concerning the theft and recovery of Iraqi cultural property and the suspects involved therein;
      
      
   3. the analysis of the information received and its dissemination;
      
      
   4. the creation of a central database listing both expert and fact witnesses necessary to pursue criminal prosecution;
      
      

2. That the General Secretariat of Interpol initiates programs designed to train law enforcement agencies in those countries and regions identified by analysis as strategically important in the illicit trade of Iraqi cultural property;

3. That the General Secretariat of Interpol requests Iraqi authorities to establish a permanent presence at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad to receive relevant information from all sources, to report on the recovery of cultural property, and to monitor the status of the inventory in order to facilitate the prompt and efficient flow of information to the appropriate authorities;

4. That members of the Interpol Tracking Task Force ensure that their websites contain accurate and current information and encourage the use of linked websites;

5. That a future meeting of the Interpol Tracking Task Force be hosted in Jordan in order to facilitate the attendance of regional representatives.